LETTERS; 'Venom'? 'Cult'? It's Campaign Fever

Published: February 13, 2008

To the Editor:

Re ''Hate Springs Eternal,'' by Paul Krugman (column, Feb. 11):

Mr. Krugman, a consistent critic of Barack Obama, did not produce a shred of evidence for his categorical statement that the ''venom'' being displayed in the Democratic campaign comes from Obama supporters, ''who want their hero or nobody.'' And it seems to perpetuate the same bizarre bitterness that he derides in his column.

Even worse is his assertion that ''the Obama campaign seems dangerously close to becoming a cult of personality.'' I am surprised and saddened that a thoughtful public intellectual like Mr. Krugman would write such a careless and unfair statement at a moment of critical potential in national politics.

Barack Obama is changing the way we think about race in America. His inclusive message is so refreshing that, in addition to strong backing from blacks, he is drawing unprecedented nationwide support from white voters. It is so upsetting that this remarkable and historic feat is belittled as a ''cult of personality.''

William Julius Wilson
Cambridge, Mass., Feb. 11, 2008

The writer is a professor of sociology and social policy at Harvard University.

To the Editor:

I see nothing illogical that a close competition for the most important leadership role in the world would be extremely competitive. But venomous? We're not even close. Just this year, the Republicans (John McCain versus Mitt Romney) have been much more combative than Barack Obama and Hillary Rodham Clinton.

Perhaps Paul Krugman is closer to the point in recognizing that we are a nation focused on personality; much of what passes for public discourse is driven by celebrity, hyped-up conflict, and the trend for news and sports coverage to resemble each other.

Barack Obama's supporters certainly did not create this trend, nor can they be faulted for recognizing that character and inspiration are as important as ideas in picking a leader. This is not a result of some irrational spell, and implying that we're joining a cult of personality really misses the point about our recognizing the qualities our nation needs to effectively move forward to collectively meet our challenges.

Richard C. Hubbard
Evanston, Ill., Feb. 11, 2008

To the Editor:

Paul Krugman decries the ''bitterness of the fight for the Democratic nomination'' and then proceeds to contribute to the name-calling by comparing Obama supporters to members of a ''cult.'' I find that offensive.

I am passionately in favor of a change from the current administration. Does that make me a member of a cult? I am passionately opposed to a Clinton presidency. Does that make me a member of a cult?

Like thousands of other voters who lean Democratic, I don't pledge allegiance to the Democratic Party. I will vote for the candidate I think will best serve the nation.

I don't have to give Mr. Krugman or anyone else my strong assurances that I will support the Democratic nominee, and I don't have to apologize to Mr. Krugman or any Democratic Party apparatchik for passionately opposing Hillary Rodham Clinton.

Robert Bonello
Edina, Minn., Feb. 11, 2008

To the Editor:

As a self-identified progressive, I often find useful insights and information in Paul Krugman's columns. Not so in ''Hate Springs Eternal.''

Mr. Krugman paints supporters of Barack Obama with too broad a brush when he alleges that they ''want their hero or nobody,'' and therefore engage in venomous attacks on Mr. Obama's rival for the Democratic presidential nomination, Hillary Rodham Clinton.

I am an Obama supporter, as are many people I know. Every Obama supporter I know wants to see a Democrat next in the White House first, and Mr. Obama as that Democrat only second. The ''examples'' Mr. Krugman cites demonstrate that Clinton-bashing is popular sport, not that Obama supporters (rather than the media or isolated individuals) engage in it.

To top it all off, Mr. Krugman compares Mr. Obama's ability to inspire and organize to George W. Bush's demonstrated penchant for conceit and self-indulgence in Operation Flight Suit. Who's perpetuating ''Nixonland'' now?

Brian W. Stull
Durham, N.C., Feb. 11, 2008

To the Editor:

Cult of personality, indeed. Barack Obama has style, but no substance. He has been in national politics only a couple of years. And the media have given him a virtually free ride.

But we did ''likability'' and inexperience eight years ago with George W. Bush and look where that's gotten us. It is frightening how easily some of us are persuaded by hype, especially when we are confronting such serious problems as a nation and in the world.

Hillary Rodham Clinton does have substance: knowledge, experience, intelligence, sensitivity, stamina. She has withstood attacks from all sides and come out whole. She is the only candidate in this race in whom I have complete faith and confidence to do the right thing. With all that is at stake, I can only hope that the media will start doing their job and that the American people will see the light this time around.